Harry Maguire OUT of England squad as star handed recall after SEVEN YEARS
Lee Carsley has named his England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Finland, with Manchester United's Maguire missing out, as Dominic Solanke is included after a seven-year absence
by Tom Victor · The MirrorHarry Maguire is among the high-profile absentees from Lee Carsley's England squad for the October international break.
The Manchester United man missed out on Euro 2024 after failing to recover from injury in time, but was part of Carsley's first squad in September. On this occasion, though, his lack of game time at club level is understood to be a factor behind his omission.
One man who is part of Carsley's squad is Dominic Solanke. The Tottenham striker won his first and so far only senior cap against Brazil in 2017, but has made the cut after finding his feet in North London following a hot season with Bournemouth last term and is included as one of three strikers, along with Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins.
England will take on Greece and Finland in the October break as they look to add to their fast start in the UEFA Nations League. The Three Lions have six points from their first two games after beating Ireland away and Finland at home.
Maguire will be one of several senior stars left out, but Carsley is eager to point out that he can work his way back in. Solanke's club colleague James Maddison plays no part despite impressing in the weekend win away to Manchester United,
Jarrod Bowen misses the cut after a tough start to the season with West Ham. Hammers captain Bowen is without a goal since August, with Julen Lopetegui having failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions.
Kyle Walker does make it, but fellow right-back Reece James is not involved though, having not played a minute for Chelsea this term as he works his way back to fitness. On Walker's return, Carsley said: "We spoke before the last squad announcement, when he literally hadn't played a minute for Manchester City. He's a player we're looking forward to having back. I've never worked with him but I think what he's done in the past for England, he's a player that I'm sure can help our younger players as well."
Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to keep his starting place however, having shone last month in both matches, while two players who missed out last time due to injury, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, both return, but there's no place for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.
Who are you most excited to see for England in October? Let us know in the comments section
Solanke top-scored for Bournemouth last season, bagging 19 league goals, but that wasn't enough to earn him a spot in the Euros squad. Upon moving to Spurs, he spoke of his international ambitions.
“Everyone wants to play for their country and it’s definitely something I’m looking to get back into," the former Chelsea and Liverpool man said. "Was England a part of the idea behind my transfer? Not really. But if you are doing your stuff for a club like Tottenham, it is definitely a lot easier to get into the fold. Tottenham is my main aim. But then hopefully I can get into the England team.”
Carsley, speaking at a press conference after announcing the squad, said of Solanke: "Dom's a player I'm fully aware of having worked with him in the past. He was really close to being in the last squad but got injured just before selection.
"He did so well at Bournemouth and now he's taken that form into Spurs. He's got a lot of really good attributes that I really like, as well as being a really nice person. He's extremely talented and it's a good that we've got him."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.